Lexicon Entry
ELF (Executable and Linkable Format)
The standard binary format on Linux and most Unix-like systems.
Related Knowledge & Cross-References
Linker Explained: How Object Files Become Executables (Static & LTO)
Learn how the linker transforms object files into executables. Explore symbol resolution, relocation records, static vs dynamic linking, and Link-Time Optimization with real readelf and nm examples.
How a C Program Becomes Machine Code: The C Compilation Process Explained
Trace the complete C compilation process from source code to executable binary. See each stage — preprocessing, compilation, assembly, and linking — with real GCC and Clang output across x86-64 and ARM64.
Dynamic Linking & Relocations: How the GOT and PLT Work
How does code call functions that aren't there yet? We dive deep into the Global Offset Table (GOT), Procedure Linkage Table (PLT), and the lazy binding dance.
Executable File Formats: ELF, PE, and Mach-O Explained
How does the operating system know how to take that file and turn it into a running process? The answer lies in the Executable File Format.